Hard Line” is the fourth studio album by The Blasters, released in 1985. The Blasters, formed in Downey, California, were fronted by Phil Alvin and became a key band in the early 1980s roots rock and rockabilly revival. The group blended rock & roll, country, blues, and R&B influences, creating a raw, energetic sound. They were closely associated with the Los Angeles punk and alternative scene, performing alongside bands like X and Los Lobos.
The album marked a shift for the band, incorporating a more polished and diverse sound while still staying true to their roots in rockabilly, blues, and roots rock. Unlike previous records, “Hard Line” features guest musicians, including members of Los Lobos and Ry Cooder, adding depth to the album’s sound. The album includes “Dark Night,” one of The Blasters’ most well-known songs, which gained wider recognition when it was later featured in films like “From Dusk Till Dawn” and “Streets of Fire”.